If you’re learning Chinese with our HSK courses, then you’re already building a strong foundation through systematic study. But to take your Mandarin to the next level—and get there faster—you need to surround yourself with real, authentic Chinese content. That’s where Chinese social media comes in.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to four of the most popular Chinese social media platforms in 2025. These apps not only make learning more immersive, but also more fun. Best of all, most of them are easy to sign up for and don’t require a Chinese phone number.
Watch this video if you don't want to read through this post.
Xiaohongshu, also known as RED, is one of the most popular lifestyle and community-based apps in China. Many Americans even flocked to it during the temporary TikTok ban, earning themselves the nickname “TikTok refugees.” Although many left once TikTok was unbanned, Xiaohongshu continues to grow rapidly.
Think of it as a mix between Instagram and Pinterest, but with strong community vibes—like Reddit. Users share posts on everything from travel, food, fashion, and beauty to niche interests like language learning. It’s a great platform for short-form reading and casual video content in Mandarin.
Many posts are written in a conversational style and are often paired with visuals, making them perfect for language learners. Whether you're into photography, fitness, cooking, or film, the algorithm quickly learns your interests and fills your feed with relevant content. It’s also a great place to make friends and engage with other Chinese learners.
Even my mom loves using Xiaohongshu to find recipes and restaurant recommendations—proving it appeals across generations. Personally, it’s my favorite Chinese social media app, and I use it regularly.
You probably already have WeChat on your phone, especially if you’ve spent time in China. But there’s a feature inside WeChat that many users overlook: WeChat Channels.
WeChat Channels is similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels—it’s where you’ll find tons of short, engaging Chinese videos. Whether you’re into comedy, lifestyle vlogs, or educational content, the algorithm will show you more of what you engage with. It’s an easy way to sneak Mandarin practice into your everyday scrolling.
My dad is always on WeChat Channels, watching funny skits and videos. And if it's good enough for him, it’s probably good enough for you too!
Before we continue, if you're looking for structured Mandarin lessons, don’t forget about our HSK courses. We cover grammar, vocabulary, listening, reading, and more in a clear, step-by-step format. You can preview the first lesson of any course for free.
For even more language input, check out our Language Player app. It lets you:
If you’re more into reading and thoughtful discussions, Douban is for you. It’s like Reddit, Goodreads, and Letterboxd combined—a hub for movie buffs, book lovers, and art fans.
Douban hosts tons of user-generated reviews, discussion boards, and long-form content across a wide range of topics. The language here tends to be more expressive and closer to how people naturally write or speak online—perfect for intermediate learners trying to level up their reading skills.
Whether you're analyzing a film or diving into a book review, Douban gives you rich exposure to real-world Chinese in context.
Bilibili is often referred to as the “YouTube of China,” and for good reason. It’s packed with videos on everything from tech and travel vlogs to anime, documentaries, and education.
One of the best things about Bilibili for learners? Most videos come with Chinese subtitles, which make following along and practicing your listening skills much easier. I personally love watching gadget reviews, travel content, and updates on Chinese tech trends.
Another cool feature is danmu (弹幕)—live viewer comments that fly across the screen during the video. It’s a fun way to see how native speakers react and express themselves in real-time.
Many Chinese creators upload to Bilibili first and only later re-upload to YouTube. So if you really want to explore the heart of Chinese creator culture, start here.
Douyin (the original Chinese version of TikTok) and Weibo (China’s Twitter equivalent) are two of the most-used social platforms in China. However, they come with a major catch: you typically need a Chinese phone number to register.
That makes them a bit harder to access for foreign learners. But if you ever manage to get an account, they offer incredible insights into daily Chinese life, news, trends, and internet culture.
So, which Chinese social media apps do you use—or want to try out?
Thanks for reading—and happy studying!
